Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 8 - Think and Explain - Page 156-158: 63

Answer

The softball.

Work Step by Step

The solid softball has most of its mass closer to a rotational axis passing through its center and has the least rotational inertia relative to its own mass. It will have a greater acceleration than the hollow basketball, and wins the race. By this reasoning, one may conclude (and verify experimentally) that a solid sphere of any mass and size beats a solid cylinder of any mass and size, which in turn beats a hollow ball of any mass and size. This is discussed on page 138.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.